Comprehensive Handbag Protection

ABSTRACT

This disclosure details providing comprehensive handbag protection (hereafter “Ducky”). Various implementations of the Ducky may be configured to protect a variety of handbags and/or like articles. The disclosed Ducky protects a handbag against rain, snow, and other potentially hazardous substances that may damage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/or longevity of the handbag. The Ducky protects all exterior surfaces of the handbag, including straps, while allowing use of and access to the handbag. The Ducky is lightweight and portable and may be configured to be compactly stored, and may even be stored within the handbag, ready to be deployed as necessary.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicants hereby claims priority under 35 USC §119 for U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/086,359 filed Aug. 5, 2008, entitled“COMPREHENSIVE HANDBAG PROTECTION,” attorney docket no. 19518-002PV. Theentire contents of the aforementioned applications are herein expresslyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally discusses apparatuses, methods andsystems for protective coverings. More specifically, the presentdisclosure discusses aspects of providing comprehensive handbagprotection.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals utilize handbags, purses, and the like to carrypersonal items, money, checkbooks, cosmetics, identification, etc. Somesuch handbags and purses are made of simple fabrics and inexpensive,while others are constructed by craftsman using exotic and/or highquality materials, and may cost thousands of dollars.

SUMMARY

This disclosure discusses aspects of providing comprehensive handbagprotection (hereafter “Ducky”). The disclosed Ducky protects an entirehandbag (purse, satchel, etc.) against rain, snow and other materialsthat could damage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/orlongevity of the product. The Ducky protects exterior surfaces of thehandbag, including straps and/or handles, while allowing use of andaccess to the handbag. The Ducky is lightweight and portable. In oneembodiment, the Ducky may be configured to be compactly stored, and, insome instances, be stored within the handbag and/or attached to anumbrella. As such, a Ducky owner may deploy the Ducky quickly andefficiently as needed, for example, when faced with walking with ahandbag in inclement weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying appendices and/or drawings illustrate variousnon-limiting, example, inventive aspects in accordance with the presentdisclosure:

FIG. 1A illustrates aspects of a first embodiment of the Ducky;

FIG. 1B illustrates aspects of a second embodiment of the Ducky;

FIG. 2A illustrates further aspects of the first embodiment of theDucky;

FIG. 2B illustrates further aspects of the second embodiment of theDucky;

FIG. 3A illustrates details of an implementation of the first embodimentof the Ducky;

FIG. 3B illustrates details of an implementation of the secondembodiment of the Ducky;

FIG. 4A illustrates aspects of a third embodiment of the Ducky;

FIG. 4B illustrates aspects of a fourth embodiment of the Ducky;

FIG. 5A illustrates further aspects of the third embodiment of theDucky;

FIG. 5B illustrates further aspects of the fourth embodiment of theDucky;

FIG. 6A illustrates details of an implementation of the third embodimentof the Ducky; and

FIG. 6B illustrates details of an implementation of the fourthembodiment of the Ducky.

The leading number of each reference number within the drawingsindicates the figure in which that reference number is introduced and/ordetailed. As such, a detailed discussion of reference number 110 wouldbe found and/or introduced in FIG. 1. Reference number 311 is introducedin FIG. 3, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure discusses aspects of implementations ofcomprehensive handbag protection (hereafter “Ducky”). It is to beunderstood that the Ducky may have numerous implementations andembodiments, and may be customized/configured as needed to provideprotection for a variety of handbags and/or like articles (purse,satchel, etc.). The disclosed Ducky protects a handbag againstenvironmental hazards (e.g., rain, snow, mud, oil, etc.) that coulddamage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/or longevity ofthe handbag. In various implementations, the Ducky protects all and/orpart of the exterior surfaces of the handbag, including straps, whileallowing use of and access to the handbag. In one embodiment, the Duckyis lightweight and portable, and when not in use, may be rolled up orfolded to allow for compact storage. In some implementations, the Duckymay even be configured to be stored within the handbag, and/or attachedto an umbrella via a strap, connector, and/or the like.

In particular, the Ducky may be configured to provide protection fordesigner handbags without diminishing the handbags appearance orimpeding access to the handbag. In one embodiment, the construction ofthe Ducky may include clear/transparent or tinted, flexible,waterproof/water-resistant material (e.g., any number of plasticmaterials, including nylon, urethane, PVC or the like) through which theunique designs and characteristics of the handbag are visible. Forexample, in addition to protecting and showing the distinctive marks ofthe handbag, the Ducky may include an additional level of brandingand/or customization, such as stenciling, textures, tinting and/or otherdesign features that enhance and/or accentuate the appearance of thehandbag in the Ducky.

The Ducky is a comprehensive handbag protector providing protection forand facilitating full access/functionality of a handbag. In someembodiments, the Ducky may be comprised of a flexible protective bodyenclosure, a protective top flap and one or more protective strapencasements. The flexible protective body enclosure of the Duckyfacilitates surrounding the body portion of a handbag placed inside ofthe flexible protective body enclosure through the aperture of theflexible protective body enclosure.

In some embodiments, the Ducky may be constructed from a variety ofprotective (e.g., water-resistant/waterproof) materials. In oneembodiment, the body enclosure of the Ducky may be constructed from onepiece of material. In another embodiment, the body enclosure may beassembled from multiple pieces, such as a bottom panel and four side/endpanels (each water-resistant/waterproof and joined to one another with awater-resistant/waterproof seal), as necessitated by the handbag to beprotected. A water-resistant/waterproof top flap may be permanentlyaffixed to one side of the flexible water-resistant/waterproof bodyenclosure such that the water-resistant/waterproof top flap may beopened (to allow insertion of and access to a handbag) and closed (toprotect the body portion of the inserted handbag). The one or morewater-resistant/waterproof strap encasement(s) (which may be adjustable)may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may beaffixed (permanently or, in some embodiments, detachably) to theflexible waterproof body enclosure and the second end may be detachablyfixed to the flexible water-resistant/waterproof body enclosure suchthat the water-resistant/waterproof strap encasement (which may beadjustable) may be brought across a strap of the handbag such that thewater-resistant/waterproof strap encasement protects the strap whileallowing a handbag owner to use the strap.

There may be numerous implementations of the Ducky to address thevariety of style, shapes and/or appearances of handbags and likearticles. Handbag manufacturers, distributors, and/or owners maycommission a customized style of Ducky or may utilize adjustablecomponents in a more general style of Ducky to configure the Ducky tohis or her desired handbag. To showcase the handbag, some embodiments ofthe Ducky may be constructed mostly or entirely of see-through material,while other embodiments may have designs, textures, colors, patternsand/or the like to enhance and/or customize the appearance of thehandbag. One embodiment of the Ducky may be constructed out of just oneor two pieces of material with few, if any, seams. Other embodiments maybe made from multiple pieces that are sewn, fused, fastened and/orotherwise attached together. In some embodiments, the construction ofthe Ducky may be based on the appearance of the handbag for which it isintended to protect. By way of example only, if a particular handbag hasa small side pocket, the Ducky may be configured with an access point(e.g., a corresponding small side access flap) to allow a user toutilize the pocket while still providing protection from rain, snow andother potentially harmful substances for the protected handbag. In someimplementations, exterior surfaces of the Ducky may be treated withstain-resistant materials. Some embodiments of the Ducky may beconfigured to fold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. Forexample, the Ducky may be configured with one or more creases or foldsthat facilitates Ducky storage. In such an embodiment, the Ducky may befolded or rolled up and stored in the handbag for which it is intendedto protect, ready to be deployed to protect the handbag if a threat,such as a rainstorm, is encountered.

FIG. 1A illustrates aspects of a first embodiment of the Ducky. As shownin the figure, the Ducky includes a flexible protective (e.g.,water-resistant or waterproof) body enclosure 110 that surrounds andprotects the body of a handbag. The configuration/dimensions of the bodyenclosure 110 may vary depending on the type and/or style of handbag tobe protected by the Ducky, but the body enclosure will generally becomprised of four flexible protective sides attached with a protectivebottom piece that forms a protective seal. The Ducky is typically alsoconfigured with an insertion aperture 123 through which the handbag maybe inserted into the Ducky and through which a user of the Ducky mayaccess his or her handbag. The embodiment shown in the figure alsoincludes a protective top flap 120. Depending on the implementation, thetop flap may be part of and/or affixed to the body enclosure 110 suchthat the top flap 120 may be opened and closed. FIG. 1A illustrates theDucky with the top flap 120 in the open position, which allows a user toaccess the handbag and/or to insert or remove the handbag from the Duckythrough the insertion aperture 123. In some embodiments, the Ducky mayinclude elastic material such that the insertion aperture can bestretched to allow a handbag to be inserted/removed from the Duckythrough the insertion aperture. FIG. 2A illustrates the first embodimentof the Ducky with the top flap 120 in the closed position. In oneembodiment, the Ducky may include a drawstring closure element, forexample, a drawstring closure element that may be adjusted to constrictthe insertion aperture 123. As shown in FIG. 1A, the Ducky may includeside-access elements 151 a-151 b. Although not illustrated in otherfigures, it is to be understood that other implementations of the Duckymay be adapted to include one or more side pocket access elements orflaps. Such side-access elements may include securing elements, asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, the top flap 120 may be secured to the bodyenclosure 110 in a number of ways to keep the top flap in closedposition and provide protection for the body portion of a protectedhandbag. In one embodiment, the top flap 120 may be secured to the bodyenclosure through adhesion, cohesion (if the top flap and body enclosurecontact areas are made of the same material), and/or a number of otherfastening or attachment methods or mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 1A, oneor more securing elements 115 a (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners such asVelcro, magnets, snaps, buttons, etc.) may be incorporated with the bodyenclosure 110, and the corresponding securing element or elements 115 bincorporated with the top flap 120 to facilitate the top flap 120 beingsecured to the body enclosure 110, as shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 1A also illustrates an adjustable strap encasement 130. Theadjustable strap encasement provides protection for the handbag strap orstraps. In implementations where the Ducky is a clear or transparentmaterial, the adjustable strap encasement 130 provides handbag strapprotection, while also displaying the underlying handbag strap orhandle. The adjustable strap encasement or encasements generallycomprise overlapping flaps of protective material (e.g.,water-resistant/waterproof fabrics and/or plastics) that once in placewill protect the strap(s) of the handbag, for example, by providing asecured wrap for the strap(s). Depending on the embodiment, theadjustable strap encasement may be secured to the body enclosure in anumber configurations. For example, in one embodiment, both ends of thestrap encasement are fixed to the body enclosure (as illustrated by thesatchel Ducky implementations of the embodiments of the Ducky in FIGS.4A-6A), while in other embodiments, one or both ends of the strapencasement may be detachably secured to the body enclosure.

In the embodiment of the Ducky shown in FIG. 1A, a proximate end 132 ofthe strap encasement 130 may be fixed to the body enclosure 110, while adistal end 131 of the strap encasement 130 is configured to bedetachably secured to the body enclosure 110. For example, in oneimplementation, the strap encasement 130 and body enclosure 110 mightinclude complementary attachment elements 125 a, 125 b/125 c (e.g.,snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1A, theattachment elements may be configured to facilitate an adjustable strapencasement 130. For example, if the handbag strap is long, attachmentelement 125 a could be attached to an upper attachment point element 125b (as shown in FIG. 2A). If the handbag strap is short, attachmentelement 125 a could be attached to the lower attachment point element125 c.

In one embodiment, a proximal side of the strap encasement may bedetachably secured to the body enclosure, while in another embodimentthe proximal side of the strap encasement may be formed as an integralpart of the body enclosure (i.e., made as a single piece of material).The strap encasement may be detachably securable to the body enclosureby a variety of attachment elements depending on the implementation. Thevariety of attachment elements facilitates an adjustable strapencasement capable of protecting a wide selection of handbags that mayhave a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, and/or lengths ofhandbag straps. In an example strap encasement, one snap (or similarattachment element) may be on the inside of the strap encasement whilean attachment point of the body enclosure may have multiple snaps atvarying lengths to choose from. In one embodiment, two or moreconnecting strap encasements facilitate adjusting the Ducky for use withmore than one handbag. In one embodiment, the body enclosure may includean extension element for strap encasement. In some embodiments, one ormore strap encasements are adjustable. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the Ducky strap encasement(s) may not be adjustable.

As illustrated by the embodiment in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments of theDucky the adjustable strap encasement 130 may have one or moreencasement fasteners 135 (e.g., Velcro, adhesion fasteners, snaps, orthe like) situated along the strap encasement to securely fasten thestrap encasement around the handbag strap.

Some embodiments of the Ducky may be configured to fold flat or roll upso they can be stored compactly. Such embodiments of the Ducky mayfacilitate storage of the Ducky via the incorporation of one or moreseams, creases or folds into the Ducky. For example, FIGS. 1B and 2Billustrates a second embodiment of the Ducky that includes the featuresof the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, but formed withopposing seams 140 in the end panels of the body enclosure of the Duckyto facilitate folding/storage.

FIG. 3A illustrates the first embodiment of the Ducky protecting ahandbag. FIG. 3A illustrates the Ducky with the handbag body 311 in thebody enclosure 110 with the top flap 120 closed, with the fasteners (115a, 115 b) secured. The adjustable strap encasement 130 is illustratedprotecting a handbag strap 331. The end of the strap encasement 130 isattached to the body enclosure 110 via detachably securable mechanisms(125 a, 125 b) (e.g., snaps). Additionally, encasement fasteners 135 onthe adjustable strap encasement 130 are secured to further protect thehandbag handle 331.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the Ducky may be configured tofold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. FIG. 3Billustrates the second embodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag 311in the body enclosure 110. In contrast to the Ducky illustrated in FIG.3A, the implementation in FIG. 3B is formed with opposing seams 140incorporated into end panels. These seams facilitate folding/storage ofthe Ducky.

FIG. 4A illustrates a third embodiment of the Ducky, wherein the Duckyis configured in a satchel Ducky implementation for protecting asatchel-style handbag. The satchel Ducky may be configured to protecthandbags with one or more straps. The third embodiment includes a bodyenclosure 410, top flap 420 and two strap encasements 430 a, 430 b withsecuring fasteners 435 a, 435 b. As discussed above, the illustratedthird embodiment includes a fastening element 415 a (e.g., touchfasteners, Velcro, magnets, snaps, buttons, etc.) incorporated into bodyenclosure 410 and a corresponding fastening element 415 b incorporatedinto the top flap 420. In such an arrangement, the fastening elements415 a, 415 b allow the top flap 420 to be detachably secured to the bodyenclosure 410, as shown in FIG. 5A (showing the third embodiment of withthe top flap 420 in the closed position). Some embodiments of thesatchel Ducky implementation may be configured to fold flat or roll upso they can be stored compactly. FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate a fourthembodiment of the Ducky that includes the features of the thirdembodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, and further configured with seams440 in end panels that facilitate Ducky storage.

FIG. 6A illustrates the third embodiment of the Ducky protecting ahandbag. In the figure, the Ducky is shown with the handbag body 611 inthe body enclosure 410 with the top flap 420 closed, and secured withfasteners 415 a, 415 b attached. The strap encasements 430 a, 430 bprotect handbag straps 631 a, 63 lb in coordination with the securingfasteners 435 a, 435 b. In some embodiments, the strap encasements 430a, 430 b may be formed as channels into which handbag straps 631 a, 631b may be placed and/or secured. FIG. 6B illustrates the fourthembodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag. As discussed above, thefourth embodiment includes the features of the third embodimentdiscussed in FIGS. 6A, and is further configured with seams 440 in endpanels that facilitate Ducky storage.

The entirety of this disclosure (including the Cover Page, Title,Headings, Field, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings,Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, Figures, Appendices andotherwise) shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which theclaimed inventions may be practiced. The advantages and features of thedisclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and arenot exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teach the claimed principles. It should be understoodthat they are not representative of all claimed inventions. As such,certain aspects of the disclosure have not been discussed herein. Thatalternate embodiments may not have been presented for a specific portionof the invention or that further undescribed alternate embodiments maybe available for a portion is not to be considered a disclaimer of thosealternate embodiments. It will be appreciated that many of thoseundescribed embodiments incorporate the same principles of the inventionand others are equivalent. Thus, it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and functional, logical, organizational,structural and/or topological modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. As such, allexamples and/or embodiments are deemed to be non-limiting throughoutthis disclosure. Also, no inference should be drawn regarding thoseembodiments discussed herein relative to those not discussed hereinother than it is as such for purposes of reducing space and repetition.Some features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot besimultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some featuresare applicable to one aspect of the invention, and inapplicable toothers. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions notpresently claimed. Applicant reserves all rights in those presentlyunclaimed inventions including the right to claim such inventions, fileadditional applications, continuations, continuations in part,divisions, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understoodthat advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical,organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of thedisclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure asdefined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims.

1. A comprehensive handbag protector for a handbag, comprising: aflexible waterproof body enclosure, wherein the flexible waterproof bodyenclosure comprises a waterproof covering for surrounding a body portionof a handbag placed inside of the flexible waterproof body enclosure,wherein the body is configured with an insertion aperture formed alongthe top edge of the body enclosure that facilitates placing a handbaginside the flexible waterproof body enclosure through the top of theflexible waterproof body enclosure; a waterproof top flap, wherein partof the waterproof top flap is permanently affixed to one side of theflexible waterproof body enclosure such that the waterproof top flapopens and closes the insertion aperture, wherein when the waterproof topflap is open the body portion of the handbag may be inserted/removedfrom the flexible waterproof body enclosure, wherein when the waterprooftop flap is closed the body portion of the handbag is protected; and awaterproof adjustable strap encasement with a first end and a secondend, wherein the first end is permanently affixed to the flexiblewaterproof body enclosure and the second end is detachably securable tothe flexible waterproof body enclosure such that the waterproofadjustable strap encasement protects a strap of the handbag whilefacilitating use of the strap.
 2. The comprehensive handbag protector ofclaim 1 wherein the waterproof top flap is detachably secured to theflexible waterproof body enclosure when the waterproof top flap isclosed.
 3. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 2 wherein thewaterproof top flap is detachably secured to the flexible waterproofbody enclosure with a hook-and-loop fastener.
 4. The comprehensivehandbag protector of claim 1 wherein the flexible waterproof bodyenclosure comprises four waterproof side pieces and a waterproof bottompiece, wherein each waterproof side piece is attached to two otherwaterproof side pieces and the waterproof bottom piece, wherein eachattachment forms a waterproof seal.
 5. The comprehensive handbagprotector of claim 1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protectorprotects a single handle handbag.
 6. The comprehensive handbag protectorof claim 1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector protects adouble-handled handbag.
 7. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector protects a satchelhandbag.
 8. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 5 wherein thecomprehensive handbag protector is formed from a transparent materialconfigured to showcase distinctive features of the particular style ofhandbag when the particular style of handbag is enclosed within thecomprehensive handbag protector.
 9. The comprehensive handbag protectorof claim 5 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector is formed from atranslucent material.
 10. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 5wherein the comprehensive handbag protector is formed from a texturizedmaterial.
 11. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein theflexible waterproof body enclosure includes an at least one crease thatallows the flexible waterproof body enclosure to be folded flat forstorage.
 12. A protective enclosure for a handbag comprising: aprotective handbag body enclosure configured with an insertion aperture;a detachable protective handbag strap encasement secured to theprotective handbag body enclosure; and a flexible body enclosureinsertion aperture cover panel configured with a fastening element at anattachment point.
 13. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein theprotective handbag body enclosure is formed with a seam on opposing endpanels that facilitates folding the protective enclosure for storage.14. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein protective handbagbody enclosure is formed with opposing end panels that incorporate aelastic lining along a top edge of the end panel adjacent to theinsertion aperture.
 15. The protective enclosure of claim 12, whereinthe detachable protective handbag strap encasement is secured to theprotective handbag body enclosure at two endpoints.
 16. The protectiveenclosure of claim 12, wherein a first endpoint of the detachableprotective handbag strap encasement is securable to an attachment pointon the body enclosure via an attachment element.
 17. The protectiveenclosure of claim 16, wherein the detachable protective handbag strapencasement first endpoint is an extension piece of protective materialextending from a panel of the protective handbag body enclosure oppositethe attachment point.
 18. The protective enclosure of claim 12, whereinthe protective handbag body enclosure is formed from a single piece ofmaterial.
 19. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein theprotective handbag body enclosure is formed from multiple panels. 20.The protective enclosure of claim 16, wherein the protective handbagbody enclosure includes a series of attachment elements for the firstendpoint of handbag strap encasement.
 21. The protective enclosure ofclaim 16, wherein the handbag strap encasement is configured with aplurality of corresponding fastening elements configured so that thehandbag strap encasement may be fastened to itself at two or more pointsalong a longitudinal axis of the strap encasement.
 22. The protectiveenclosure of claim 21, wherein the handbag strap encasement isconfigured with a Velcro fasteners situated at a plurality of pointsalong the longitudinal axis of the strap encasement.
 23. The protectiveenclosure of claim 21, wherein the handbag strap encasement isconfigured with a series of snap insertion elements and snap receptacleelements situated at a plurality of points along the longitudinal axisof the strap encasement.
 24. The protective enclosure of claim 12,wherein the protective handbag body enclosure, handbag strap encasementand the cover panel are waterproof materials.
 25. The protectiveenclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure,handbag strap encasement and the cover panel are water-resistantmaterials.
 26. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein theexterior of the protective handbag body enclosure, handbag strapencasement and the cover panel are treated with stain-resistantmaterials.
 27. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein protectivehandbag body enclosure includes a drawstring element along a top edgeencircling the insertion aperture.
 28. A comprehensive handbagprotection apparatus, comprising: flexible waterproof body enclosuremeans, wherein the flexible waterproof body enclosure means comprisewaterproof covering means for surrounding a body portion of a handbagplaced inside of the flexible waterproof body enclosure means, whereinthe body enclosure means are configured with insertion aperture meansformed along the top edge of the body enclosure means that facilitateplacing a handbag inside the flexible waterproof body enclosure meansthrough the top of the flexible waterproof body enclosure means;waterproof top flap means, wherein part of the waterproof top flap meansare permanently affixed to one side of flexible waterproof bodyenclosure means such that the waterproof top flap means open and closethe insertion aperture, wherein when the waterproof top flap means areopen the body portion of the handbag may be inserted/removed from theflexible waterproof body enclosure means, wherein when the waterprooftop flap means are closed the body portion of the handbag is protected;and waterproof adjustable strap encasement means comprising a first endand a second end, wherein the first end of the waterproof adjustablestrap encasement means is permanently affixed to the flexible waterproofbody enclosure means and the second end of the waterproof adjustablestrap encasement means is detachably securable to the flexiblewaterproof body enclosure means such that the waterproof adjustablestrap encasement protects a strap of the handbag while facilitating useof the strap.